West Palm Beach, FL Animal Ordinances: Wildlife Feeding (2026)
Key Facts
- State Law
- FL §379.412
- Alligator Feeding
- 2nd-degree misdemeanor
- Fine
- Up to $500 + 60 days
- Authority
- FWC + PBC
- Iguanas
- No feeding (invasive)
Summary
Feeding wildlife is illegal under FL §379.412 and PBC Code. Particularly enforced for alligators, raccoons, and sandhill cranes. Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Mangonia residents are common offenders.
(1)(a) The penalties in this section apply to a violation of any rule or order of the commission that prohibits or restricts: 1. Feeding wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; 2. Attracting or enticing wildlife or freshwater fish with food or garbage; or 3. Allowing the placement of food or garbage in a manner that attracts or entices wildlife or freshwater fish. (b) This section does not apply to rules or orders of the commission relating to: 1. Animals held in captivity; 2. Restricting the taking or hunting of species over bait or intentionally placed or deposited food; or 3. Restricting the taking or hunting of species in proximity to feeding stations. (2) A person who violates a prohibition or restriction identified in subsection (1): (a) For a first violation, commits a noncriminal infraction, punishable by a civil penalty of $100. (b) For second and subsequent violations, when all violations are related to freshwater fish or wildlife other than bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (c) For a second violation, when all violations are related to bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. (d) For a third violation, when all violations are related to bears or alligators or other crocodilians, commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Full Breakdown
FL §379.412 makes intentional feeding of alligators or crocodiles a second-degree misdemeanor. FWC also prohibits feeding bears, foxes, raccoons, and sandhill cranes. WPB residents along the Intracoastal Waterway and around Clear Lake should not leave pet food outside, which attracts raccoons and opossums. Iguana feeding (an invasive species) is also prohibited.
Violations & Fines
FL §379.412 misdemeanor: up to $500 fine and 60 days jail. FWC civil citations $100-$500. Repeat offenders face larger penalties.
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Palm Beach
Florida rules heatmap·Compare West Palm Beach to another location·View the Florida animal ordinances overview
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Wildlife Feeding in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Palm Beach County handle wildlife feeding.